Ruth C. (Kenney) Magnuson

PORTLAND – Ruth C. (Kenney) Magnuson, 94, of Portland, passed away on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Ruth was born in Arlington, Mass., to George J. W. and Ina S. Kenney. She graduated from Arlington High School in 1948 and married the Rev. Robert H. Magnuson in 1953. Their life together followed a path to Lutheran congregations in MN, MI, PA, MA and finally to St. Ansgar in Portland.

As a child, Ruth loved roller skating down steep dirt roads. She was a lifelong fan of the Boston Red Sox and loved talking about the game. Ruth worked for 30 years at Campbell, Payson and Noyes/Commercial Union Insurance. She was active in the church sewing group, served as Girl Scout cookie mother and was a longtime election official. She was funny, interested in most everything, a prolific correspondent by U.S. Mail and fiercely devoted to her family. In addition she enjoyed the company of countless friends and family pets.

Surviving are her children Karen M. Fitzgerald of Westbrook, Robert E. Magnuson of South Portland, Cynthia R. Magnuson of Portland, and Christopher S. (Jana R.) Magnuson of Portland; two grandchildren: Kathryn F. (Devon) Gaudet of Erving, Mass., and Caroline F. (Tyler) Johnson of Cumberland; and five great-grandchildren: Philip R. and Joseph W. Gaudet, and Zachary R. and twins Allison C. and Abigail S. Johnson.

Ruth was predeceased by her parents and former husband; siblings John, Virginia, George Jr. and Robert Kenney; and son-in-law Edouard G. DuPlessis.

Friends and family are invited to a time of visitation on Wednesday, December 3, from 4 – 7 p.m., at Jones, Rich and Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford Street in Portland. A private interment will follow.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Jones, Rich and Barnes in Portland.

Please visit http://www.jonesrichandbarnes.com to leave condolences for the Magnuson family and share a memory of Ruth.

Donations in her memory may be made to the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland.